Before I provide you with some reflections on the conference, I want to mention the conference planning process. Our vision for the conference was to provide a venue where different farm and food networks could host their events simultaneously, to bring people from different sectors together and avoid overlap. Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition, Ontario FoodNet, FarmStart, the FarmOn Alliance, the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee, FoodShare, Canadian Organic Growers Perth-Waterloo-Wellington and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph all participated in the planning and program development for the conference.

The program was chock full of engaging conversations about the practical work that is going on right now – on farms, in communities, neighbourhoods, towns and cities, regions and province-wide.

On Thursday the new farmer training sessions attracted both starting and experienced farmers interested in new ideas for their farm enterprises. As I entered the hotel ballroom Thursday evening to hear Joel Salatin speak I heard someone exclaim that this was the youngest crowd he had ever seen at a farm meeting!

Also on Thursday were a series of networking sessions. I attended two, one where we mapped community food security and discussed the role of community food centres across the province; and another on forming a provincial urban agriculture network. Stay tuned for a newsletter that showcases some of the amazing ‘maps’ produced. The Planting Urban Ontario working group was formed and the group committed to compile and post urban agriculture resources on the Sustain Ontario website. This group will also be putting together a resource in preparation for the upcoming election. It will include top urban agriculture policy issues and questions to engage candidates in a conversation about these issues.

To summarize the rest of conference I’ll refer to my notes from the closing keynotes: Wayne Roberts, Acting Manager, Toronto Food Policy CouncilAngie Koch, Waterloo Region FarmerKatherine Pigott, Manager, Healthy Eating and Active Communities, Region of Waterloo Public Health
Joan Brady, Farmer, Ontario FoodNet Coordinator, and National Farmer’s Union Women’s President.

Wayne Roberts spoke about a growing movement for food systems transformation. Things are changing very quickly in the farm and food sector. Two years ago we did not have a provincial organization such as Sustain Ontario. Now we are poised to take things to the next level. This means growing beyond a niche sector. “When we hit 10% of the market, we are going to rock the system,” Wayne stated. But there is work to be done. There was very little mention of farming and food in the Throne Speech or provincial budget. We are not on the radar of politicians, yet there is not a single issue we are working on that people wouldn’t agree with. To move things forward, Wayne suggested five strategies:

• Present solutions
• Connect to mainstream issues like transportation, diversity, environment, economy, etc.
• Build bridges – between rural Canada and urban Canada. This means listening hard.
• Focus on continuous improvement. A half a loaf of bread is better than none if you are hungry.
• Bust silos. We are the “whole enchilada” movement.

Angie Koch, a young, successful farmer from the Waterloo Region, spoke about putting food at the centre of our lives. “This conference is full of creative, passionate visionaries,” she exclaimed. She called on conference participants to “pull stories up through the fabric of what is happening at the grassroots level” and connect these to regional, provincial and national efforts. The main challenge is farm viability. The new farmer training sessions were very encouraging. “These issues are owned by people, families, and communities. And people are working on many levels and from many perspectives to change things.”

Katherine Pigott from Waterloo Region Public Health welcomed us to the region. She spoke about the beauty of the region, and its unique rural/urban. “Food that is so life-giving is making sick,” explained Katherine. “The food system doesn’t care about health, and the health care system doesn’t care about food.” Katherine spoke about the initiatives Public Health is taking at the regional and provincial level across the province to change this. She proposed that Sustain Ontario begin to have conversations with Medical Officers’ of Health across the province – to congratulate them on their work to date and build on this work. There are so many farm and food issues that can be moved forward at the regional and municipal level: putting food in Official Plans, local food procurement, community gardens, etc. Waterloo Region has led the way on all these issues. Katherine concluded by talking about the power of networks, and the role of the Waterloo Food Systems Roundtable. These networks, Katherine explained, are the key to “remaking the middle” and embracing the farming and business perspective. “We won’t always see eye to eye, but we must keep the dialogue open.”

Joan Brady, farmer, coordinator of Ontario FoodNet and NFU Women’s President, spoke from her many hats. First she spoke as a mother of farm kids. Joan said she is happy to be able to provide her daughter who attended the new farmer training sessions with new perspectives on farming and food. Joan explained that she retired from hog farming in 2006 because she didn’t see a future for her farm. She was right. As a new market gardener she got lots of information at the conference to share with her customers. Joan also sites on her local Farmer’s Market Board, as well as the Huron Perth Farm to Table Committee. She will take information from this conference to those groups. Joan spoke about her role with Ontario FoodNet as facilitative. The FoodNet website can be used to exchange information. The National Farmer’s Union is a forum for making change. In November Joan went to an NFU women’s networking session. She shared that the session was very touching. “When we grow food we feel like we are doing the right thing.” Joan spoke about the importance of the triple bottom line: social, environmental and economic sustainability.

On the last day of the conference participants broke into small groups to discuss the conference outcomes. The following working groups were formed by conference participants:

Diversity and inclusion
Food literacy and school programs
Save our abattoirs
Ontario local food research network
Disappearing farmland working group
Buy local mandate and national food policy
Scaleable regulations
Ecological and social goods and services
Pro-preneurship and local food movement
Raising cash for good food (donation campaign)
Viable farm models
Farmers market voucher working group
Produce processing working group
Food and climate change
New farmer policy for 2013
Urban agriculture working group
Food justice summit
Food and agriculture act

More detail about these will be posted on the Sustain Ontario website next week, with ways for you to get involved.

Perspectives on good food and farming

March 10, 2010

T.O. game changers

The food picture just keeps getting bigger and bigger. First we fretted about organics and then local and sustainable, and now it’s all about the food system and the way it connects to every facet of city life. So check out the Board of Health’s Toronto Food Strategy Update, released February 1, which aims to coordinate the city’s many functions through the lens of food security. Think of it this way: City Hall regulates zoning, controls vending licences, runs parks, maintains roads, pays social assistance, serves food, disposes of food wastes and so much more. What if every decision in every department reflected the goal of a sustainable food system, targeting hunger and unhealthy eating? Putting food on the permanent agenda means, for example, examining Transit City for its ability to serve food shopping needs, or developing strategies to stop food waste, thus easing pressure on the green box. Now Magazine story

Foodland Ontario Pushing Its Logo Use

If you are in the business of direct to consumer sales — Foodland Ontario says you may want to consider using their logo. Denise Zaborowski is with Foodland – and says producers can get access to logos, banners and signs if they are selling Ontario product. She says whether it be fruits, vegetables, meats, jams, or any other food product — as long as it’s Ontario — the logo should be on it. Zaborowski says a lot of the logos, signs and banners are free for anyone pushing Ontario product. And with over 95 percent of the public recognizing the Foodland symbol — Zaborowski says producers may be able to boost their own sales using it. Full details and how to get the logo on your product — are available at the Foodland website. CKNX Radio AM920 Wingham story.

Building farmers from the ground up

Farming is in Sri Sethuratnam’s blood. He owned about 28 hectares in India before emigrating to Canada. At the University of Guelph, he pursued his Masters in Rural Studies, but when he started searching for farm experience in 2006, there was nothing available. Our farms are mostly family-run, he points out, with very little help from outside the family. With no land and no connections, he was shut out. He took an internship in Singapore instead. Returning to Guelph in the summer of 2008, he landed a position with FarmStart. The organization has two farms that gives new farmers, or farmers new to Canada, a chance to learn about organic agriculture, and build a small farm business, with minimal initial investment. FarmStart provides a small plot of land—up to about one hectare—shared access to tools, tractors and expertise. The program is designed for people who are serious about pursuing organic agriculture as a commercial enterprise. Guelph Mercury story.

Promoting locally grown food

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is launching a campaign in March to promote locally grown food. “The promotion is connected to Nutrition Month in March with its theme, ‘Celebrate food… from field to table,’ ” health unit dietitian Coraine Wray said in a media release. “We’ll be setting up displays at local libraries to promote the variety of foods grown right here in Haldimand and Norfolk counties.” Simcoe Reformer story.

Farmers and foodies to connect online

Are you a lonely local foodie hungry for love? A friendly farmer seeking a lucrative new relationship? The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is about to launch a new agricultural matchmaking website just for you. The foundation is test-driving a new online “fresh-food finder” that is meant to hook up consumer and bulk food buyers to farmers throughout the provincial greenbelt, including those in Niagara. St. Catharines Standard story.

Women say goodbye lawns … hello crops

It’s March, but I’m already thinking about asparagus and strawberries. They are what lured me to Hillcrest Drive this week. It’s a broad, zigzagging residential street near Christie and St. Clair that offers many reasons for envy – barn-sized houses on big lots with driveways, a gorgeous little park and a view of the downtown towers that rivals Riverdale Park’s.

Come June, new reasons will start to push up from the ground. Strawberries, arugula, basil.

Three women living along Hillcrest plan to dig up the grass and periwinkle in their front yards to make way for food. Perhaps they will rename it Carrot Crescent. Catherine Porter writing in the Toronto Star.

Plans for research station scaled back

Planners have dramatically pruned back a $42-million vision to expand and rebuild the former Vineland Research Station. The new $25-million proposed facelift, however, is “more focused” and “results-oriented,” said Donald Ziraldo, the chairman of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “Right now, I think this is the better plan,” Ziraldo said after helping present a project update to a stakeholders committee meeting held at Brock University Thursday. St. Catharines Standard story.

Beef Farmers Alliance Gets Strong Consumer Response

An innovative partnership is helping a group of Lambton County farmers sell more beef to local consumers. Murray Shaw, Ralph Eyre and Chad Anderson previously sold freezer beef as independent businesses. Two years ago their families formed an alliance called Bluewater Beef. Shaw says they saw an opportunity to increase sales by pooling their resources and spreading out their costs. The group developed a marketing plan that includes selling boxed beef from their farms, the internet and at a local famers’ market. And consumer reaction has been surprising. Eyre says people are showing great interest in where their food comes from. CKNX Radio AM920 Wingham story.

Support for abattoir proposal

A report for Monday’s municipal council planning meeting recommends approval of an on-farm abattoir on Duart Road in Orford.  The facility — which could create up to 20 full time jobs — would be used by Scot and Cheryl Ryckman to slaughter and clean quail for market.

The report by Storey Samways Planning Ltd. indicates that the Ryckmans are currently shipping their birds to a processing facility in northern Ontario at a cost of $200,000 a year. The facility in northern Ontario is for sale due to the owner’s pending retirement. If it closes, the producers would lose their bird market. Chatham Daily News story.

Change apple, tender fruit and grape marketing strategy: report

A recent report by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre indicates the Ontario’s tender fruit, apple and grape industries must change their marketing strategy to regain former profitability. Although the document is “another tool in our arsenal,” Len Troup, chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers Marketing Board, warns it contains “no miracles.” A draft of the report was presented to the producers’ marketing board March 1. Better Farming story.

AND if You Have Time

Logorama Wins Oscar for Best Animated Short Film [video]

Logorama, an animated film that takes place in a Los Angeles composed entirely of corporate logos, was the big winner in the Best Animated Short Film category atthe Academy Awards. Featuring a Quentin Tarantino-esque criminal plot, the film includes many food brands, including a Pringles man truck driver and an evil Ronald McDonald. I could have done without all the swearing. Video.

Original post here:

InfoGraphic: Food Subsidies: Why A Salad Costs More Than A Big Mac

Date: March 22

Time: 1pm – 5:30pm (with a reception to follow)

Location: Kemptville College

The demand for organic food in Canada far exceeds the current supply. Canadian Organic Growers has been exploring the role that Farmers’ Co-operatives can play in increasing the production of organic food in Eastern Ontario for the commercial marketplace, while at the same time protecting farmers’ interest within that marketplace. Through farmer owned cooperatives, COG would provide resources and supports for farmers to successfully get and stay organic, and develop markets for those organic products.

If you are an ecological farmer or a conventional farmer curious about organic production for local markets, COG has organized a symposium for you to ask questions and explore these ideas. There will be three panel presentations by experts with discussions to follow on:

1. Farmers’ Co-operative Development
2. Organic Farming
3. Organic Marketplace

The event is free for farmers. Non-farmers interested in the topic are also welcome for a registration fee of $25. Anyone interested must register in advance by March 19 for planning purposes. Email office@cog.ca or call 1-888-375-7383.

It is funny how things change sometimes.

I was reminded of this recently when I received a glossy promotional magazine in my mail for one of Ontario’s farm organizations that discussed amongst other things a national food policy like they had invented the idea.

A few years ago I was at a government consultation meeting around the future of agriculture. I was there representing the National Farmers Union and the thousands of farmers across Canada who have been talking and working on promoting the need for a national food policy and agricultural policies that actually focus on the needs and importance of family farmers. During the meeting I brought up the idea of a national food policy.

Continue reading the full article here: Food policy for Canada by Grant Robertson

CONTACT INFORMATION: ]]> http://sustainontario.com/2010/03/03/1092/news/art-and-food-take-root-at-wychwood-barns/feed 0 http://sustainontario.com/2010/03/02/1088/news/you-are-invited http://sustainontario.com/2010/03/02/1088/news/you-are-invited#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:45:20 +0000 lauren http://sustainontario.com/?p=1088

To Sustain Ontario’s first Annual General Meeting and a Taste of Waterloo Region Reception.

Join Sustain Ontario for a celebration of its first year of working towards a food system that is healthy, ecological, equitable and financially viable. Over the past year, Sustain Ontario has reached out to farm and food leaders across the province to identify research, advocacy and communications priorities. Come and hear about Sustain Ontario’s 2010 work plan and meet the steering committee and advisory council. Local food and drinks will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Immediately following the AGM, join us for a celebration of local food and drink from the Waterloo Region.
Great music, food, drink and company! Local catering from the Garden Party, Divinely Raw, Dana Short Gourmet, and the Museum Cafe. Info tables from Loft Market, Foodlink Waterloo, Waterloo Food Systems Roundtable, and more…

Friday March 5, 2010
5:30pm – 7:00pm, Annual General Meeting
7:00pm – 10:00pm, Taste of Waterloo Region Reception
Children’s Museum / 10 King Street West / Kitchener

Fruit and veg snack program a no-brainer.

February 26, 2010

***NEW***Eco-Farm Day 2010, February 27-28

Eco-Farm Day is an annual conference sponsored by the Ottawa chapter of Canadian Organic Growers. This year’s conference theme is “Keeping it Local and Sustainable”. While the primary audience is from Eastern Ontario there are also participants from the rest of Ontario, Quebec, and the USA. This is a high quality conference with 12 workshops on February 27th plus the featured speaker. Wayne Roberts from the Toronto Food Policy Council will be the feature speaker this year. There is also a Trade show all day Saturday as well as the banquet on Friday Feb 26th. Website.

Food for Change, March 1

On Monday, March 1, we welcome Executive Chef Anne Yarymowich, of the AGO’s Frank restaurant, as our guest chef. Wine pairing for this month’s menu are from Frogpond Farm. Join the kitchen crew and spend the afternoon preparing the feast. The STOP Newsletter. Behind-the-scenes at Food for Change photo essay

Cultural Mapping and Cultural Planning: Making the Connection, March 2 &3

The Ontario Workshop is scheduled to take place March 2-3, 2010 at the MaRS Centre, Toronto. The workshop is presented by the CCNC in partnership with the City of Toronto, Municipal Cultural Planning Incorporated and the Martin Prosperity Institute. Cultural Mapping and Cultural Planning: Making the Connection will include presentations on Creative City Network of Canada’s cultural planning and mapping toolkits, panel discussions from those in the field and a facilitated discussion on what’s next will give you the knowledge and connections to move the cultural planning agenda forward in your community. Join cultural planning practitioners from across Ontario for an inspiring and informative workshop on cultural planning and mapping. Visitcreativecity.ca to register.

***NEW***Social Enterprise Webinar, March 3

Business Supporting Community and Economic Development, a Webinar with Ethel Côté, Social Enterprise Practitioner and Consultant. Most likely you’ve never heard about social enterprises or, if you have, you wonder what kind of business it is and what it could do for your community. In this hour- long webinar on March 3rd between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., you will learn more about social enterprise as an approach to support rural revitalization, create jobs and address community economic development. Ontario Rural Council website.

Meeting the Demand: Growing Markets for Sustainable Meat and Dairy, March 3

“Meeting the Demand” will bring together producers, investors and institutional consumers (hospitals, schools, religious communities and congregations, hotels and restaurants) with scientists and experts in food safety, worker health and safety, and agricultural sustainability for a day-long conversation about the costs, benefits, challenges and opportunities for growing local and regional markets for sustainable, ethical meat and dairy products. Sponsored by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. The Pew Center, Washington, DC. Details.

***NEW***Consumer Trends, Farmer Choices — CFFO Seminar Series,  March 4 to March 24

In a world of growing demand for food products, some countries are ramping up production for increasingly sophisticated markets. There are now markets for those choosing low-priced foods, markets for those with affluence and markets for those who have ethical concerns about the food they purchase. Are the days of “I just want to grow corn and not be bothered by all this stuff” gone forever? With move towards increasingly specialized markets, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario thinks that might indeed be the case. In fact, we’re considering crafting a strategy that helps Ontario farmers capture more value from the marketplace. Accordingly, it’s the theme of this year’s annual CFFO seminar series, Consumer Trends, Farmer Choices, held in locations across the province. Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario website.

”Bring Food Home” Conference, March 4 to 6, Kitchener

This conference will feature a daily plenary, workshop choice in five programming streams, networking space and special events. Each day of the conference is organized to present a different aspect of food security and local sustainable food systems.  Day one is devoted to technical training and tours, day two examines projects and policy and day three draws the participants together to develop a plan for future collaboration and action. Joel Salatin, an alternative farmer from Virginia that was featured in Michael Pollan’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma”, has been invited to give the opening keynote. The balance of the speakers is food and farming experts from across the province. Conference Website.

Value Chain Management Workshop, March 5

The best lessons tend to come from those who have done it themselves, and the Canadian Farm Business Management Council’s latest workshop will bring the innovators and trend setters to you. Kitchener, partner FoodNet Ontario. Details.

***NEW***”Stone Soup” Community Supper, March 6

Once again, Joe Mihevc and the Wychwood Barns Community Association are partnering to host a community supper at the Barns! The two previous meals were overwhelmingly successful, with hundreds of people attending. This time the format will be a bit different: it will be a “Group Picnic.” Facebook annoouncement.

Financing Farm to Fork Conference, March 11 to 13

The FamilyFarmed.org Financing Farm to Fork Conference supports the local food movement by encouraging investment in farm and food production, processing, and distribution businesses.  The event is being produced by FamilyFarmed.org and the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business is a primary sponsor. A primary objective of the Financing Farm to Fork Conference is to educate regional farmers and food processors about various financing strategies and then link them with individuals who represent a variety of financing options that may help them grow their businesses.  Business education and training will be essential to the success of the conference and breakout sessions will help inform food producers and financiers about the opportunities and needs in this sector.  The conference will conclude with a Financing Fair and Reception where farmers and food producers can meet one-on-one with different types of investors and economic development specialists.University of Illinois at Chicago details.

Agribusiness Training: Workshop Series, March 15 to May 3

Have you started (or dreamed of starting) your own Agriculture based business?  Could you benefit from a little guidance in order to make your Agribusiness a thriving success?  Come and learn with Organic Veggie Farmer Daniel Hoffmann, from The Cutting Veg Organic Farm, how to make your Agribusiness a reality.  Whether you’ve been growing plants for years, or several seasons away from starting, come and prepare yourself for a business that is financially viable, community enriching, eco-friendly, and personally satisfying. For details email Hoffman

Online Certificate in Food Security: Assessment and Action, start date March 17

A certificate program in food security is offered online (in English) by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) in Barcelona, Spain. The Target Audience of this course include anyone interested in food security and/or working on community-level food security projects.  The Overall Objective is to provide students with the tools and knowledge to support food security initiatives in their community. This specialisation is offered as part of the Masters programme but students will also receive a Joint Certificate from the UOC and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The specialisation is an extension of the FAO’s Distance Learning course in Food Security Information for Action. Specialization details.

Sustainable Living Symposium 2010, March 20 & 21 Loyalist College, Belleville

Local, affordable, and do-able lifestyle solutions for right now will be demonstrated and discussed at the 5th Annual Sustainable Living Symposium. Living within our environmental and economic means has become even more important during this time of climate change and economic turmoil. Local experts will show you how to implement earth-friendly and cost-effective solutions such as urban food gardens, environmentally friendly cleaning products, renewable energy and more. The focus is on local solutions, local services, and local businesses. You’ll work with your neighbours and local experts to find out how to make a difference today, for a sustainable tomorrow. Details on Quinte Sustainability website. Event includes a talk by Elbert van Donkersgoed on A Few big Ideas for Food and Farming in Ontario

Taking Root: 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, May 17 to 19

Farm to Cafeteria programs are taking root in schools, hospitals, colleges, daycares, and other institutions.  Come to Detroit for the 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference to learn how you can start and scale up a program in your community. Join us for trips to local farms, school lunchrooms and processing facilities; workshops on issues such as federal and state policy, experiential education, sustainability and economic development and sessions geared towards youth, producers and food service providers. Conference website.

Workshop on Economics of Local Food Markets, New Jersey, June 15 & 16

Local Food Markets is a high-visibility issue area distinguished by a number of economic and marketing questions that demand research-based answers. The goal of the workshop is to highlight current research and bring together researchers, extension educators, private sector participants, and policy makers to exchange ideas and develop a common set of priority research and education needs for local food systems. The synthesis of ideas that result from this workshop will be disseminated in a variety of relevant outlets to encourage collaboration on local foods research and extension. The format will include two thematic sessions emphasizing rural and urban local food issues. Each session will begin with a presentation by an invited speaker selected for expertise in practical or theoretical aspects of local food markets. About the workshop.

Growing Power’s National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference, September 10 to 12

Come to Milwaukee and help grow the good food revolution. Hosted by Growing Power—a national organization headed by the sustainable urban farmer and MacArthur Fellow Will Allen—this international conference will teach the participant how to plan, develop and grow small farms in urban and rural areas. Learn how you can grow food year-round, no matter what the climate, and how you can build markets for small farms. See how you can play a part in creating a new food system that fosters better health and more closely-knit communities. Conference website.

AND in case you have time

The Coffee Mug for mums that won’t scald tykes

Toddlers and young children are notorious for their desire to grab whatever might be dangerous for them, and hot beverages are no exception. In fact, some 100,000 children each year are scalded by hot drinks and foods in the United States alone, according to the American Burn Association. Enter the MummyMug, a new innovation that uses a lip-activated lid to prevent drinks from spilling. Parents simply fill the MummyMug with their favourite hot drink, secure the screw-on lid, and start sipping. The pressure of the drinker’s top lip against the top of the lid causes the valve to open. It automatically closes up after every sip, ensuring that the MummyMug remains safe if accidentally knocked over. Springwise story